Lawmakers Demand Mail Service For Residents

Maryland's congressional representatives have demanded that the postmaster general restore regular mail delivery to parts of the state after residents complained of service disruptions.

Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, a Democrat, said Friday that constituents from Pasadena, Windsor Mill and Perry Hall had said they have not received mail for more than a week.

Several congressmen sent a letter to Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahue saying the service disruptions require an immediate solution.

Postal Service spokeswoman Freda Sauter tells The Capital of Annapolis that delays in Pasadena were caused by last week's snowstorms. She says the safety of employees is a top priority.

Sauter suggested that customers contact the local postmaster or call Consumer Affairs at 800-275-8777.

Text of Letter Sent to Postmaster General

The Honorable Patrick R. Donahue Postmaster General & CEO

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza Southwest

Washington, DC 20260-0004

February 21, 2014

Dear Mr. Donahue:

We are writing to express our deep concern over service disruptions over the past week. We have heard from constituents who have not received mail delivery since Wednesday, February 12, 2014. This is unacceptable.

As you know, your customers depend on timely service to receive urgent mailings, including bills and prescriptions. We fully agree that it is necessary to protect worker safety in inclement weather and the evenings, particularly in light of the tragic death of Tyson Barnette, a US Postal Service letter carrier who was killed while delivering mail after dark in Landover, MD. A plan must be in place to protect worker safety and ensure that no homes or businesses experience multiple-day delays. These service disruptions require explanation and, more importantly, an immediate resolution.

Please let us know what you are doing to immediately restore regular and reliable mail delivery to our constituents. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.